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For Freshman Orientation, Introduction to College, College Survival, and College Seminar courses. The first book on the market written with the first-time community college student in mind, this text provides basic information as well as encouragement for the non-traditional student–it shows that going to college and balancing work and family can be accomplished without compromising students’ success.

The Community College Experience Brief covers a range of topics from making the transition into college culture, to practicing active learning and study skills, and preparing for a degree and a career. Each chapter, including the return of the time and energy management chapter, explores a major “college survival” topic in depth and provides a wealth of information for anyone who has stepped onto campus for the first time, all in a straightforward, easy-to-read format. The third edition now offers exciting new features such Tech Tactics, using technology and websites to further understanding, and Emotional Intelligence Check-Up, which allows students to explore four key emotional intelligence characteristics that can help them succeed.

Amy Baldwin has been teaching college success, writing, and literature at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas since 1996. Among the many hats community college faculty like Amy wear, she has also served as the professional development coordinator and co-director of the Achieving the Dream initiative. She has taught on-campus and online classes since 1999 and has presented nearly 100 workshops across the U.S. on the topics of numerous topics including student success, research writing, academic integrity, and online teaching. She has also written for The Teaching Professor, Community College Week,and Student Health 101. Her texts, The First Generation Experience 1st edition and The Community College Experience PLUS 2nd edition, are published by Pearson. Amy received her B.A. in English Literature from Rhodes College and her M.A. in English Literature from Washington University. She is currently working on her doctorate in higher education, with a focus on student retention. Amy lives with her husband and two children in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Brief Table of Contents

Part One: Transitions

Jump Start

Chapter 1: Understanding College Culture and Your Campus

Chapter 2: Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

Chapter 3: Managing Your Time and Energy

Chapter 4: Cultivating Relationships and Appreciating Diversity

Part Two: Integrations

Chapter 5: Reading, Listening, and Note-taking

Chapter 6: Learning, Memory, and Studying for Tests

Chapter 7: Writing, Researching, and Information Literacy

Part Three: Re-visions

Chapter 8: Making Healthy Choices

Chapter 9: Planning for Next Semester

Chapter 10: Preparing for a Career and a Life

Appendix A: VARK Learning Styles

Appendix B: Plagiarism Guide

Appendix C: Glossary of Terms

Index

Complete Table of Contents

Part One: Transitions

Chapter 1: Understanding College Culture and Your Campus

In This Chapter

Transition and Transformation

Higher Education, Higher Expectations

Go for the Gold by Remembering SILVER

Controversial Content

How College Works

Schedules

Grades

College Resources

The Campus

College Catalog

Student Handbook

College Newspaper

Bulletin Boards

It’s in the Syllabus

Put It Online

Campus Organizations

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: The changes in Culture and College Services

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: How the Culture Will Change Again

References and Recommended Readings

Chapter 2: Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

In This Chapter

Your Story

Your Background

Your Values

Your Dreams

Your Goals and Mission Statement

Your Mission Statement

Setting Goals

Managing Your Goals

Staying on Track

Managing Your Priorities

Staying Motivated

Identifying Motivators

Overcoming Obstacles

Remaining Resilient

Your Support System

Your Family

Your Friends

Your Community

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: What You Know and How You Learn Will Change

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Goals and a Mission Will Help You Succeed

References and Recommended Readings

Chapter 3: Managing Time and Energy

In This Chapter

Is Time on Your Side?

Getting Organized

Supplies for Success

Space Considerations

Same Time, Same Place

It's Time for College

Making Time for Classes

But What Do I Do?

Analyzing Your Time

Back-Dating Time Management Plan

Managing Your Energy

Identifying Time and Energy Zappers

Running low on Time and Energy

Why Wait Until Tomorrow?

Procrastination Pitfalls

Procrastination Types

Eliminating Procrastination

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: How to Handle the New Pressures on Your Time

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Improving Time Management on the Job

References and Recommended Readings

Chapter 4: Cultivating Relationships and Appreciating Diversity

In This Chapter

Cultivating Relationships in College

Professors

Advisors, Counselors, and Learning Support Staff

Classmates

Family and Friends

Appreciating Diversity

Gender and Sexual Orientation Diversity

Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity

Generational Diversity

Other Kinds of Diversity

Teaching Styles Diversity

Fighting Hate

Stereotypes

Prejudice

Discrimination

Resolving Conflict

Creating Boundaries

When a Problem Arises

Tips for Lasting Relationships

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: The Relationships You Foster Now Will Open Door after Transfer

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Dealing with Diversity Is a Key to Success on the Job

References and Recommended Readings

Part Two: Integrations

Chapter 5: Reading, Listening, and Note Taking

In This Chapter

College Reading Expectations

What to Do with a Reading Assignment

Reading in the Disciplines

Reading Actively and Critically

Skimming and Scanning

Questioning

Evaluating

Developing Your Reading Skills

Building Your Vocabulary

Checking Your Comprehension

Improving Your Reading Attention Span

SQ3R Reading Strategy

The Art of Listening

Preparing to Listen and Listening Actively

Listening Critically

Reduce Listening Barriers

Remembering What You Have Heard

Note-Taking Strategies

How Information Is Presented

Developing a Shorthand

Outlining

Annotating

The Cornell System

Note-Taking Strategies In the Disciplines

Reviewing Your Notes

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: how the Reading Load and Expectations May Change

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Practicing Critical Listening Skills Will Give You an Edge on the Job

References and Recommended Readings

Chapter 6: Learning, Memory, and Studying for Tests

In This Chapter

This Is Your Brain In College

The Learning Process

Learning in College

The Memory Game

Mnemonic Devices

Memory Strategies

Think About It

Creative Thinking

Analytical Thinking

Critical thinking

Problem Solving

Study Strategies

A Place and Time for Studying

Studying Actively

Creating "Cheat" Sheets

Taking The Test

Maintaining Integrity during the Test

Beating Test Anxiety

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: Different Types of Thinking Will Be Needed to Continue Your Learning

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: How Critical Thinking Will Be Used on the Job

References and Recommended Readings

Chapter 7: Thinking Creatively, Analytically, and Critically

In This Chapter

College Writing Assignments

Understanding the Assignment

Following Directions

Length, Audience, and Purpose

Types of Writing Assignments

Formats and Occasions

Portfolios

Evaluation of Writing

Getting help with Writing

Peer Review

Tutoring

How Much Is Too Much Help?

The Writing Process

Creating a Thesis and Organizing Details

Writing Essays

Avoiding Plagiarism

Information Literacy

Recognizing When Information is Needed

Finding and Evaluating Information

Using Information Effectively

Making Speeches and Presentations

Planning a Speech or Presentation

Vocal Delivery

Physical Delivery

Visual Aids

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: How Writing Assignments and Expectations Will Change

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Why Strong Speaking Skills Will Set You Apart at Work

References and Recommended Readings

Part Three: Re-Visions

Chapter 8: Making Healthy Choices

In This Chapter

Understanding Stress

What? me Worry?

Stress in College

Stress at Home

Stress at Work

Stress-Related Illnesses

Handling Stress

Reducing the Negative Effects of Stress

Staying Flexible

Knowing When to Get Help with Stress

What's Good For You

Eat Well

Get Moving

Sleep Soundly

Drugs and Alcohol

Sex

Depression and Suicide

Healthy Living for Life

Living a Balanced Life

Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Getting Help When You Need It

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: How Your Stress Will Change and How to Handle the New Pressures

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: making Healthy Lifestyle Changes Is a Good Long-Term Strategy

References and Recommended Readings

Chapter 9: Planning for Next Semester

In This Chapter

Planning for Your Educational Future

A Difference of Degrees

Transferring to a University

Deadline and Important Dates

Completing the Semester

Preparing for Final Examinations

Choosing Classes for Next Semester

Financing your Education

Scholarships

Grants

Student Loans

Military and Veterans Financial Aid

Work Study

Tuition Waivers for Employees

Applying for Financial Aid

Renewing Financial Aid and Paying it Back

The Decision to Continue

Is College Right for You Right Now?

Benefits of Continuing Your Education

Benefits of Taking a Break

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: Preparing for Unexpected Higher Costs

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: The Benefits of Returning to Work before Continuing Your Education

References and Recommended Readings

Chapter 10: Preparing for a Career and a Life

In This Chapter

Career Exploration

Career Values and Goals

Career Counseling

Career Fairs

Internships

Job Preparation

Writing a Résumé

Creating a Cover Letter

Interviewing

Cyber Considerations

Stay Flexible

Networking

References and Recommendation Letters

Your Finances

Creating a Budget

Handling Credit Cards

Creating a Life

Mission, Values, and Goals Revisited

Engaging in the Community

TRANSFER TIPS: From College to University: Hold Off on Starting Your Career until You Have met Your Educational Goals

STRANSFER TIPS: From College to Career: Practicing What You Have Learned to Earn the Job Will Help You Progress